“Just because that was overruled by West Berkshire Council, it does not stop those from being valid reasons.

“Thames Valley Police explained their concerns about when, not if, an accident would happen.

“There is insufficient highway to make a two-metre path, yet still West Berkshire Council continue to say the roads and pavements will be suitable.

“Open your eyes, there are not and never will be for that number of pedestrians travelling in two directions along a busy narrow road.”

Concluding her argument, she said: “Theale is a village not ready for expansion on this scale.

“Infrastructure and services simply cannot cope.

“It is time to stand up and say no to releasing the North Street playing fields. Build a school on its existing site.

“After all, West Berkshire Council have previously stated at an Englefield Parish Council meeting that the school does not have to have the capacity to expand to 420 places to get the funding they received.

“West Berkshire Council created this deadline again and issued an ultimatum.

“It is time they learnt that bullying is not acceptable.”

After the meeting, Craig Stevens, another resident who feels the playing fields is the wrong site for the school, said: “The main reason is the road. It is too dangerous.

“Why should we have to wait for a kid to be knocked over before we realise this?

“If it is going to be built, the school has to be right and has to be in the right place.

The parish council was elected by the public to speak on behalf of the public. They took a view on behalf of the residents that the loss of the recreation space and building the school was unacceptable for what seem like good reasons. WBC seem to be wishing to over turn the democratic decision. I would fell more comfortable if WBC was offering the parish the full market value of the land which could be then spent to the benefit of the parish. I believe WBC just wants the parish to give the land away which would save them the cost they should bear to build the school. I cannot se how one comentator can call protecting a local amenity resource nimbyism. This issue calls for an open discussion document with full costing and disbenfits properly presented.